Spring arrives and the land smiles

The next day, when Qingyan woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

Hearing the commotion inside, Zhui'er quickly came in to serve.

"Why aren't you serving Young Master Luo?" Qingyan took the clothes that Zhuier handed her.

"Princess, it is already early morning. Young Master Luo has been up for a long time and has already had breakfast." Zhui'er chuckled as she helped Qingyan with her hair and makeup.

Looking in the mirror, Qingyan recalled the disfigurement makeup Luo Qing had done for her yesterday. She thought that there was no time like the present, and Xu Zhao's matter should be resolved quickly. The sooner they went to the southeastern border, the sooner they could eliminate the Prince of Jin's power.

"Zhui'er, go and invite Young Master Luo." Qingyan stopped Zhui'er from doing her hair.

Before long, Luo Qing came in, followed by Zhui'er carrying a tray of bottles and jars.

"What is this?" Qingyan pointed at Zhui'er.

"Princess's medicine for today." Luo Qing gestured for Zhui'er to put it down, and then instructed her to prepare a medicinal meal for Qingyan.

"What? So many medicines, and we have to eat medicinal cuisine too?" Qingyan cried, turning her back to Luo Qing in dejection.

Seeing her throwing a tantrum softened Luo Qing's heart, and she immediately said, "These aren't all your medicines, some are mine too. I'll also eat the medicinal food with you; I've improved the recipe so it won't be so bitter anymore."

This was exactly what Qingyan wanted to hear, and she turned around and became happy again. She picked up the medicine on the tray and looked at it. Some of the medicines had the same smell as the ones she had smelled when she changed the dressing on Luo Qing's wrist a few days ago.

"What you're holding is my external medicine. You sent Zhuier to call me earlier, but I haven't had time to change the dressing yet," Luo Qing said as she unwrapped the bandage from her wrist.

"I'll do it." Qingyan reached out and started taking off the mask for Luo Qing.

The bandage wasn't very thick, and Qingyan quickly removed it. The originally gruesome wound had already healed considerably. As expected of the top disciple of the Immortal Physician, this medicine truly had an immediate effect.

But when she thought about the wound inflicted by a golden-bellied python as thick as a man's arm, Qingyan couldn't help but soften her movements and slow down her actions.

Seeing her cautious manner, Luo Qing smiled and said, "It's much better now, Princess, you don't need to worry."

Doctors always have double standards, both towards themselves and their patients. Qingyan frowned and said, "You make it sound so easy. This injury is on your wrist. Luckily, it didn't damage your meridians or tendons, otherwise your hands would be ruined. You'd ruin both of your hands at once."

"When fighting the golden-bellied python, I was careful not to get hurt by it." Luo Qing still had a smile on his lips.

“Measure yourself,” Qingyan sighed. “If you had only been bitten on the butt by the golden-bellied python, I would believe that you were mindful of your actions.”

"Why buttocks?" Luo Qing asked curiously.

“Because the buttocks aren’t a vital organ,” Qingyan replied earnestly, her eyes wide.

After thinking for a moment, he added, "Moreover, there are fewer meridians on the buttocks and thick muscles, making it much safer than the wrist, although applying medicine is not very convenient."

Looking at Qingyan, Luo Qing suddenly realized that the parts they were discussing were... somewhat... so Luo Qing's face visibly turned red again.

Qingyan had a bad feeling in her heart, quickly bandaged Luo Qing's wound, and stepped back, saying, "I'm sorry."

This apology was very sincere, unlike the teasing she used to give when she saw Luo Qing blush. After all, Luo Qing's injury was caused by her searching for medicine for her.

But Luo Qing saw this as alienation.

She didn't know when it started, but whenever Qingyan made her blush, Luo Qing was no longer embarrassed. Instead, she enjoyed this special kind of intimacy. This was the difference between her and others when she was with Qingyan. The way they got along was unique to each other, and it even made Luo Qing feel a little excited.

But today, Qingyan's apology and the step she took back brought Luo Qing back to his senses. Although Qingyan had no airs of a princess and was kind and approachable, this wasn't just towards Luo Qing; it was her nature. Qingyan was naturally optimistic and kind, and treated her friends sincerely. She considered Luo Qing a friend, so their interactions were casual but not special.

Thinking of this, Luo Qing felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave. It turned out that she was the one who was being sentimental without realizing it, and she kept advising Lan Zhen to stop. It turned out that it was she who needed to stop.

"Princess, it's time to take your medicine." Luo Qing picked up the medicine bottle from the tray and handed it to Qing Yan, easing the awkwardness.

"This medicine also needs to be taken with rice wine." Luo Qing handed Qing Yan another cup of wine.

Seeing that Luo Qing's expression was normal, Qing Yan felt relieved, took the medicine and wine, and drank it all in one go. After finishing, she licked her lips, which were still wet with yellow wine, and said with lingering satisfaction, "After all, Yushan is a place with a tough and spirited people. This wine is even stronger than that of Shengjing. It's just that it's more strong than mellow."

“The princess’s skills are undoubtedly superb. Ever since the wine-tasting competition at Hua Man Lou, I have been quite nostalgic for the fine wines that the princess has prepared,” Luo Qing continued Qing Yan’s topic.

"Back at Hua Man Lou, I used all my skills to earn the thousand taels of silver I promised Lan Zhen. I was also able to redeem Ning Yuan thanks to Young Master Luo for finding the ingredients." Qing Yan was furious when she talked about Lan Zhen.

"By the way, your good brother is no gentleman at all. He always enjoys bullying a young woman like me. A few days ago, he challenged me to a drinking contest in Sui County. I thought we were evenly matched, but I didn't expect him to rely on his superior martial arts skills to force the alcohol out of his body. What a despicable act."

Luo Qing learned of this matter afterward and had some reservations about Lan Zhen's actions.

"It was indeed an unfair victory for Lan Zhen. Next time you meet him, I will make him apologize to you."

"What do you mean by 'unfair victory'? He didn't even win, okay?" Qingyan argued indignantly.

“Yes, for such behavior, he loses.” Luo Qing’s heart fluttered as she looked at Qing Yan’s flushed face, and her tone became even more doting.

"Young Master Luo recognizes the wine I make, so it seems we are kindred spirits. Once the affairs of the southeastern border are settled, I will specially prepare fine wines for you."

"The southeastern border?" Luo Qing asked. "Isn't the princess supposed to return to Shengjing after the Yushan incident is over?"

"I was supposed to go back, but I just received an imperial decree yesterday, sending me to the southeastern border." Qingyan thought for a moment and then told the truth.

“But the princess’s health can no longer withstand a long journey,” Luo Qing said anxiously.

"Therefore, I have a favor to ask, and I hope that Young Master Luo can come along." Qingyan finished speaking in one breath.

"Your body can't take any more strain, what does it matter to me whether I go or not?" Luo Qing glared at her angrily.

Qingyan smiled; it felt really good to have someone care about her.

"But my enemies will not back down just because I am injured; they will only take advantage of my illness to kill me."

Luo Qing watched as Qing Yan spoke of a heavy topic in a light tone, and swallowed all other words of advice.

"This journey is fraught with danger. Young Master Luo, please consider this carefully before giving me your answer. You have saved my life many times before, for which I have no way to repay you. Now that I have a request for you, I must shamelessly ask. I can only promise you the position of Crown Prince. I will grant you any request you may make in the future and will never go back on my word." After saying this, Qingyan took off a jade pendant from her waist and put it into Luo Qing's hand. "I hope you will not refuse."

Luo Qing examined the jade pendant; it was a piece of exceptionally fine white jade, warm, lustrous, and translucent. Royal artifacts were indeed extraordinary. He traced the outline of the white jade with his fingers and said calmly, "If I don't go this time, will the princess take this jade back?"

"Huh?" This... Qingyan didn't react for a moment.

“Of course not,” Qingyan quickly replied, “Young Master Luo’s life-saving grace cannot be repaid with a mere piece of white jade or a promise.”

“Okay, I’ll go with you.” Luo Qing carefully put the jade pendant away from her body.

"I can't thank you enough for such a great kindness." Qingyan bowed slightly, but Luo Qing helped her up, and the two smiled at each other.

Around noon, Zhui'er brought the two of them a medicinal meal.

“I’ve improved the recipe, so today’s medicinal cuisine will definitely not be hard to swallow.” Luo Qing took the lead and tasted a bite.

"Alright." Qingyan picked up the soup spoon, put a mouthful of soup in her mouth, and found that it tasted much better. So she happily finished off the rest of the medicinal dishes as well.

Of course, Luo Qing couldn't escape the fate of having to eat with them. After all, medicinal cuisine is medicinal cuisine, and even if it's improved, it's just not bad to eat.

After lunch, Qingyan asked Luoqing to help her put on the disfigurement makeup from yesterday, and then asked him to act out a scene with her in front of Xu Zhao.

"Go and fetch the medicine that Xu Zhao brought back," Qingyan instructed Zhui'er.

"Young Master Luo, this is the medicine that Xu Zhao brought back."

Qingyan gestured for Zhuier to hand over the medicine box, then turned to her and said, "Call Sicheng in."

Zhuier agreed, invited Sicheng in, and then withdrew.

Luo Qing examined the medicine box for a long time, looking at it and smelling it: "This is indeed a scar-removing medicine developed by my master, and its effect is excellent. However..."

Luo Qing paused, seemingly sensing something, but not daring to make a definitive statement, and guessed, "It seems like this medicine has been tampered with."

"What?" Qingyan exclaimed in surprise.

Si Cheng was also shocked: "It has been confirmed before that Xu Zhao colluded with Lan Jing, the eldest prince of Nanxia, ​​and sent Seven Colors assassins to assassinate the princess. They failed once, but this time they are openly trying to harm her. The princess is in danger. Please allow me to transfer Si You and Si Wu to strengthen her protection."

"The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light. Let's hold off for now and observe the situation." Qingyan did not agree.

“Perhaps he doesn’t want your life, but rather to use you.” Luo Qing held the pill in her hand and examined it carefully. “The surface of this pill is coated with a hallucinogenic herb juice, in a large dose. If ingested by mistake, it can drive a person insane. At this time, only someone carrying the scent of Moon Sleep Flower can calm them down. Although the herb juice is potent, it is not easy to detect and is often misdiagnosed as ordinary mania.”

"This is outrageous! Xu Zhao's ambitions are truly insane!" Qingyan slammed her fist on the table in anger.

Hot tea spilled from the table, and Si Cheng quickly reached out to pull Qing Yan away.

Qingyan fell into Sicheng's arms due to the sudden tug, and the teacup rolled to the ground and shattered.

"Princess."

"Princess."

Both of them were startled.

"It's alright." Qingyan waved her hand, dodging the fragments as she walked to Luo Qing, and picked up a pill thoughtfully.

“Since the pills are coated with hallucinogenic drugs, the method of faking disfigurement is no longer feasible. Why don’t we turn the tables on them?” Qingyan put the pills into the box, looking excited.

"I'd like to hear the details." Luo Qing closed the lid and placed it on the table.

Qingyan beckoned with her finger, and the two of them came closer.

The next morning, Chu Shen was organizing military affairs when he suddenly received news from the Yushan mining area that the Princess had become delirious after waking up that morning.

Chu Shen immediately handed over military affairs to his trusted confidants and rushed to the mining area.

In the back hall of the council chamber, almost everyone stood guard outside the princess's bedroom, but no one dared to enter.

"What's going on?" Chu Shen asked as soon as he arrived.

"General Chu." Zhui'er greeted Chu Shen with tears in her eyes, then indignantly accused him, "Last night, I served the princess the pills that General Xu Zhao brought back from the Valley of Immortal Physicians. At first, the princess felt nothing wrong and soon fell asleep. But in the middle of the night, I heard a loud commotion in the princess's room. When I went in, the room was a mess, and the princess was curled up in the corner of the bed. Whenever I approached, the princess would yell at me as if she didn't know me. I called Lord Sicheng, but the princess did the same thing. Whenever someone approached, the princess would go crazy. I didn't know what to do, so I had to ask General Chu for help."

"I'll go in and take a look." Chu Shen was about to push the door open when Si Cheng stopped him.

"I will go in with the general."

Chu Shen looked at Si Cheng, pondered for a moment, and then agreed.

The two carefully pushed open the door and entered, trying to slow their pace so as not to disturb Qingyan.

Those who practice martial arts are agile and nimble, and Qingyan only noticed the two of them when they were almost at the bedside.

"Get away, don't come any closer!" Qingyan shouted, grabbing a pillow from the bed and throwing it at Chu Shen.

Chu Shen raised his hand to block the way, stopped, and did not move forward: "Your Highness, I am Chu Shen, the Supreme Protector of the Yushan Border Army."

"I don't care who you are, you're not allowed to come any closer." Qingyan wouldn't listen at all and just wouldn't let anyone get near.

"Doesn't the princess recognize this humble general?" Chu Shen was still unwilling to give up.

"Get out of here, get out of here." Seeing that the two of them wouldn't leave, Qingyan simply got out of bed barefoot, walked to the table, picked up a teacup and teapot, and threw them at Chu Shen.

Qingyan only hit Chu Shen, who couldn't dodge in time and took several hits. Si Cheng watched this and laughed to himself.

His little princess really does hold grudges.

"Alright, alright, this subordinate will leave now. Princess, please don't hurt yourself." Chu Shen had no choice but to leave with Si Cheng, as Qing Yan was being unreasonable.

"Have you seen a doctor?" Chu Shen asked Zhui'er and Si Cheng, who served him closely.

“I have already sent someone to invite Young Master Luo,” Zhui’er replied.

At this moment, Luo Qingzheng entered through the side door. After greeting everyone, he carefully inquired about Qingyan's condition and then entered Qingyan's bedroom with Chu Shen and Si Cheng.

With so many people around, Qingyan quickly noticed. She then grabbed whatever she could find and threw it at Chu Shen. Chu Shen was caught off guard and could only try to dodge. The three of them exchanged glances and worked together to subdue the princess in the least harmful way.

Luo Qing quickly took Qing Yan's pulse.

"There are no signs of poisoning, so it must be a mental disorder," Luo Qing concluded, consistent with the story they had previously agreed upon.

"How could he suddenly develop a mental disorder?" Chu Shen asked, puzzled.

“The princess has had a very dangerous time in recent months, perhaps she was frightened,” Luo Qing explained. “She needs to recuperate and rest to recover.”

Indeed, as far as Chu Shen knew, there had been a constant stream of assassinations and attempts to kill the eldest princess in recent months. A princess who was originally raised in seclusion was forced into danger due to her sudden appointment as crown prince. The delicate princess was indeed unable to cope, and Chu Shen temporarily accepted this diagnosis.